We hear so much about collagen and how good it is for our skin. Let’s learn more about what it is and how it works in our bodies!

Collagen is what holds our entire body together! It is the most abundant protein in the human body, composing about 30% of the protein in the human body. It can be found in skin and tendons, bones, and muscles.

Collagen is very important for health, and the breakdown of naturally produced collagen is associated with numerous health issues. Supplemental collagen is used increasingly more for medical and cosmetic purposes, including helping heal and repair tissue.

It provides the strength and structure to our skin, and also is involved in the replacement of dead skin cells. Collagen production naturally declines with age and is also reduced by exposure to ultraviolet light and other environmental factors such as smoking and high sugar consumption. Collagen synthesis begins to decline around 40 years of age, and dramatically decline in women after menopause. By age 60 there is normally a significant decline in collagen production.

Products such as lotions that claim to increase collagen levels are unlikely to do so because the molecules of collagen are too large to be absorbed through the skin. However, collagen production can be stimulated through laser therapy, such as Laser Genesis treatment. This treatment can also help stretch marks.